Role of Some Trace Elements in Pathogenesis and Severity of Acne Vulgaris in Iraqi Male Patients

Background: Recently on the dermatological fields, the serum levels and the roles of Zn, Cu and Mg have been studied especially in acne vulgaris, but the results were controversial. Objective: The aim of the present study is to investigate a relationship between the severity of acne and the serum levels of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and magnesium (Mg) in Iraqi males. Subjects and Methods: This case controlled study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Baghdad University, in the Dermatology and Venereology and in the Poisoning Consultation Center of Baghdad Teaching Hospital between May 2009 to January 2010. Forty- five male patients with acne vulgaris, their ages ranged from 18-30 [21.82 ± 3.77, as (mean ± SD)] years and 45 healthy male subjects as controls, their ages ranged from 18-30 (22.18 ± 3.85) years were included in this study. Patients were subdivided into three groups according to the severity of their acne; mild acne group (n=15), moderate (n=15) and severe acne group (n=15). Investigations included serum estimation of Zn, Cu and Mg in both patient and control groups. Results: The (mean ± SD) values of serum levels of Zn, Cu and Mg did not differ significantly between the patient [all severities combined] and control groups. However, serum Zn level was significantly decreased in severe acne group compared with controls (P=0.0001), mild-(P=0.0001) and moderate-(P=0.003) acne groups. Serum Mg concentration was significantly lower in severe acne group compared with mild acne group (P<0.011). With regard to serum Cu levels, there was no significant difference between patient groups themselves as well as between patient and control groups. Conclusion: This study revealed a significant association between serum levels of each of Zn and Mg with the severity of acne